Calling All Crocheters! 

For our Millions Missing May: Raising ME/CFS Awareness Actions 💙 

Help us raise awareness for ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) by creating visible shows of ME/CFS solidarity! 

For ME/CFS May Awareness month (especially on May 12th International ME/CFS Awareness Day), we want people to wear or display these items on bags, backpacks, purses, or hang them in public spaces to show their support for the Millions Missing from ME/CFS. This simple act can spark conversations and show support for this often invisible illness.

Last year, we launched a photo gallery featuring some of the beautiful ribbons and creative displays we’ve received so far (and the stories behind the photos)! Take a look here:
🔹 View the Ribbon Gallery

🔹And read the stories behind the ribbons - they are the best! 

Here’s how you can get involved (if you are not a crocheter, here is our current main project page):

1 - Crochet as many items as you'd like, even a couple is great! We don't want anyone to push themselves, but we’ll happily share as many as you can make. We'll supply the yarn (or you can use your own) and a simple crochet pattern (Instructions, Chart), designed by renowned expert Pat Olski, that’s easy to follow for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.  Two of our volunteers, Shrinithi (video and audio - instructions explained) and Deanna, have made easy-to-follow videos on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MECFSSD/videos!

2 - (Optional) You can choose to sign and include a "Crocheted for ME/CFS Awareness by" tag for each Awareness Ribbon. (all tags and labels can be provided by us or we will have files available for printing if you would like - if you want us to type your name in on the Crocheted by tag - let us know how many tags you would like)

3 - You can return finished items or bag, label and insert the ME/CFS flier yourself (we can provide the inserts, labels, carabiners, and bags). 

The bags used for distribution must have a label (which we can provide) letting people know they are free for taking, this is essential for the awareness effort.

4 - You can either distribute the items yourself or return them to us for distribution. It’s up to you! You can place them in visible public spaces or reach out to places like libraries, health care centers, school offices, scout groups, or professional organizations that might want to share or distribute them.

5 - Please consider sharing a photo of how you displayed your ribbon and/or comments any connections or thoughts the ME/CFS awareness ribbon sparked.

By giving these items away for free, you'll be helping to increase awareness of ME/CFS and encourage more people to recognize and understand this often minimized and invisible illness.

• If you live in a different geographical area or are part of a ME/CFS organization that would like to partner with ME/CFS San Diego for this event, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to explore how we can collaborate and expand the reach of this important awareness campaign.

• If you're interested in participating or have any questions, let us know! You can connect with us on social media or email info@mecfsSanDiego.com.

Thank you for your support in raising awareness and showing solidarity for this important cause. 

Resources:

📺 Please Join Shrinithi (video and audio - instructions explained) and/or Deanna   (video only - no audio - single line instructions) as they crochet an ME/CFS awareness ribbon. Mateera's Video displays a final packaged ME/CFS Awareness Ribbon. (ME/CFS San Diego youtube Channel).   

Supply Request Links:

• Yarn Request Form

• Packaging Supplies Request Form

Downloadable Printable Files:

• (Optional) Crocheted by Tag:  (Crocheted By PDF ) (Crocheted by DOCX )

• Free ME/CFS Awareness Ribbon.  Please Take Me! Labels for Bags: (Free ME/CFS Awareness Ribbon PDF ) (Free ME/CFS Awareness Ribbon DOCX )

• Included ME/CFS Flier (4 per page): (MECFSSD PDF)  (Customizable ME/CFS Group PDF)